Access to knowledge not like it was first imagined

By Halifax Media NC

Published: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 07:52 PM.

We were glad to see that among the new state laws going into effect Dec. 1 was one concerning cyber-bullying of teachers. The Associated Press reported the American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the law, saying it could infringe upon the free speech of students. A threat remains a threat, regardless if it is born of a teen or an adult.

The problem began when the technology took off before legislators could digest its ramifications and soon found themselves behind the curve.

The internet is the perfect target for misuse. Privileged government documents are not immune to hacking, as we know, and tech savvy teens are prone to stealing information just for fun.

Research shows there is more video posted on YouTube in one day than was broadcast over all three major television in 30 years.

Last week Syria blocked the internet to the world, and it was speculated the government made the move in order to eliminate revolutionists from of the eyes of the public.

There is no existing model to follow. It’s dynamic and ever-changing and nothing like we imagined.

Early in the 20th century, technological visionaries imagined a machine that would be capable of managing all of our daily tasks and providing us with a wealth of information — most anything we ask. It was a robotic figure that moved in jerks and pauses, uttered halting words and phrases with lights flashing on its head that corresponded with the thought process.

Turns out what their predecessors created looks more like a typewriter with a windshield that plugs into a box — the first ones did, anyway. And when it’s engaged most any information we need is available simply by tapping a few select keys. Thus, the creation of the computer, followed by the Internet. And with the advent and proliferation of social media, it is the equivalent of Frankenstein and his minions.

In his first transatlantic radio broadcast, Edward R. Murrow issued a caution when he maintained that the new technology should be used responsibly.

While the airwaves are subject to regulations, it seems no entity has been willing to tackle all the aspects of this contemporary, roaming wild beast.

It is a daunting task, but those regulations are sorely needed. In as much as the pioneers of the Constitution wrestled with laws for a new country, the same is needed for new technology.

We are not ones who advocate Big Brother stepping into every social fray, but when something is big enough to impact the world and influence the way we communicate, it’s time to have regulations in place. We’ve already seen the need for such laws, which include those enacted to stop child predators.

And ironically, we just need to use a little old-fashioned horse sense to have more laws passed for our protection.

We were glad to see that among the new state laws going into effect Dec. 1 was one concerning cyber-bullying of teachers. The Associated Press reported the American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the law, saying it could infringe upon the free speech of students. A threat remains a threat, regardless if it is born of a teen or an adult.

The problem began when the technology took off before legislators could digest its ramifications and soon found themselves behind the curve.

The internet is the perfect target for misuse. Privileged government documents are not immune to hacking, as we know, and tech savvy teens are prone to stealing information just for fun.

Research shows there is more video posted on YouTube in one day than was broadcast over all three major television in 30 years.

Last week Syria blocked the internet to the world, and it was speculated the government made the move in order to eliminate revolutionists from of the eyes of the public.

There is no existing model to follow. It’s dynamic and ever-changing and nothing like we imagined.